Some Notes on Blindness in Japan During Golden Week [Podcast Episode]

By Barrier Free Japan

May 1 2026

JAPAN – Two recent developments in Japan have highlighted ongoing safety challenges faced by people with visual impairments in public spaces. At the Imabari branch of the Matsuyama District Court, a visually impaired woman has filed a lawsuit seeking about 1.7 million yen in damages from a dog owner, alleging she was injured after an unleashed dog approached her guide dog, causing her to fall; she warned that such incidents on public roads can be life-threatening and called for greater awareness of the dangers of interfering with guide dogs doing their work.

Separately, East Japan Railway Co. opened a platform-based training session at Shinagawa Station in Tokyo to the media, where visually impaired participants practiced navigation with mobility instructors using actual train cars, underscoring efforts by transport operators to improve safety and prevent accidents.

Episode notes:

‘Visually impaired woman sues for 1.7M Yen after unleashed dog attacks guide dog, causing fall’:

Visually impaired woman sues for 1.7M Yen after unleashed dog attacks guide dog, causing fall

‘Japan starts platform safety training for visually impaired’:

Japan starts platform safety training for visually impaired